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Jungle Prada Site Tour: Discover Prehistoric Tocobaga Village

5.0

450 Ratings

St. Petersburg

Embark on a historian-led walking tour of the Jungle Prada Site, home to the best-preserved American Indian mound in Tampa Bay. Discover the prehistoric Tocobaga village and the landing place of Pánfilo de Narváez's expedition. Encounter wild peacocks and native plants, and uncover the hidden side of St. Petersburg, Florida!

Duration: 2 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

St. Petersburg - The Jungle Prada Site is the best-preserved American Indian site in Tampa Bay. The highlight of our 75-minute guided Florida history tour is a huge Tocobaga Indian midden mound and adjoining village plaza. Hidden away in the historic neighborhood known as Jungle Prada, the main mound consists of tens of thousands of ancient conch and whelk shells, and is more than 900 feet long! The subtropical jungle landscape here is populated by dozens of beautiful free-roaming peacocks! The tour and the locations are loaded with Florida history that is explained in a vibrant and engaging way. In addition to learning about the lives of the Tocobaga Indians, you’ll also encounter the amazing story of Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, a Spanish conquistador who landed at the Jungle Prada with the 1528 Narvaez Expedition, and whose incredible journey of survival took him and three others from Florida all the way to the Pacific Ocean (1528 - 1536). If you are a Florida resident or a visitor interested in history and archaeology, the Jungle Prada Site Tour is a rewarding experience that will engage your mind and challenge your perceptions about the Sunshine State!

What's Included

On-site parking available
75-minute guided tour led by a historian

What's Not Included

Transportation to/from attraction
Bottled water

Additional Information

You must make a reservation. The Jungle Prada Tour, guided by a historian, takes you through a site once inhabited by the ancient Tocobaga tribe, boasting the most well-preserved American Indian mound in Tampa Bay. The Jungle Prada Site Complex is believed to be the landing spot of the 1528 Narváez expedition whose survivors trekked from Florida to the Pacific Ocean between 1528 and 1536!

Our location is on the edges of the stunning Boca Ciega Bay, right opposite John’s Pass and Treasure Island. The privately held Anderson Mound has been meticulously maintained by the Anderson lineage for over eight decades.

You’ll come across peacocks (a fixture at the Jungle Prada Site since the 1950s), learn about native plants utilized by the Tocobaga tribe, and unearth a part of St. Petersburg, Florida you had no idea about!

Pets are not allowed on the site
Due to the historic nature of the property some surfaces are uneven. Please watch your step and always exercise caution. Other potential risks include all those that naturally arise from walking through heavily wooded areas.

Location

1700 Park St N

Park Street North

Take Park Street to the Jungle Prada building (corner of Park Street N. and Elbow Lane N.). Drive past the JP Tavern heading towards Boca Ciega Bay. Look for our A-frame sign and orange cones in the gravel parking area on your left. The entrance gate is at the end of that parking lot.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

5.0

(450 Ratings)

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Colleenkp1969

May 26, 2024

A wonderful experience! - If you like history, archeology, outdoors, animals, plants, or nice people Jungle Prada is a must. The enthusiasm David has is contagious and draws you into his presentation. Which makes sense because he is the third generation to be in possession of such a local treasure. We will definitely be back to visit.